Régnié

Régnié takes its name from a Roman villa belonging to a nobleman called Réginus, and local tradition holds that the Romans were the first to plant vines in this corner of Beaujolais. The Abbey of Cluny owned vineyards in the area, with documented evidence dating to a charter from 992. The appellation's position on a historic trade route to the Loire Valley made it a key supplier of wine to Paris from the 18th century onward. After centuries as part of the broader Beaujolais-Villages category, Régnié was officially elevated to Cru status in December 1988, becoming the tenth and most recently recognized of the Beaujolais Crus.

• Named after Roman villa belonging to nobleman Réginus
• Abbey of Cluny documented as vineyard owner in a 992 charter
• Wine trade to Paris established via the Loire Valley route from the 18th century
• Elevated from Beaujolais-Villages to Cru Beaujolais in December 1988

Régnié sits between Morgon to the north and Brouilly to the south, drawing terroir characteristics from both neighbors. The appellation reaches elevations of around 400 meters at its highest points. Soils are primarily pink granite and coarse sandy soils, with clay composition appearing on the lower slopes and brick-colored soil derived from the bedrock. The climate is continental with Mediterranean influences, described as temperate and rarely cold, with warm, dry winds moderating conditions across the vineyard area. The appellation is noted for containing more Cru-defining granite than most other Beaujolais villages.

• Highest altitudes reach approximately 400 meters
• Pink granite and sandy soils dominate, with clay on lower slopes
• Continental climate with Mediterranean influences; warm, dry winds
• Located between Morgon and Brouilly, sharing characteristics of both crus

Régnié produces medium-bodied red wines exclusively from Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, using semi-carbonic maceration fermentation typical of the Beaujolais region. The style shifts depending on where vines are planted: the southern portion of the appellation yields lighter, fruitier wines, while the northern and eastern portions produce more structured, full-bodied examples. Across the appellation, characteristic aromas include raspberry, red currants, spice, and mineral notes. The wines are approachable upon release and can develop further in bottle for up to five years.

• 100% Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc; no other varieties permitted
• Semi-carbonic maceration is the standard production technique
• Southern zones produce lighter, fruitier styles; northern and eastern zones yield more structure
• Typical aromas: raspberry, red currants, spice, and mineral notes

The Régnié AOC covers approximately 400 hectares within the communes of Régnié-Durette and portions of Lantignié. A landmark of the area is the distinctive double-spired church designed by architect Pierre Bossan, which has become a recognizable symbol of the appellation. Régnié is sometimes referred to as the 'Prince of Beaujolais,' a nod to its youth as a cru and the elegance of its wines. Notable producers working in the appellation include Guy Breton, Georges Descombes, Damien Coquelet, Charly Thévenet, Benjamin Chalon, and Jean-Marc Laforest.

• Appellation covers Régnié-Durette and portions of Lantignié
• Landmark double-spired church designed by architect Pierre Bossan
• Known as the 'Prince of Beaujolais' for its youth and elegance
• Notable producers include Guy Breton, Georges Descombes, and Damien Coquelet